i ran into some friends of mine at the barber swap meet this week end, they gave me some information that they said came from a harley mechanic; at around 30,000 miles i can look for the timing chain or tensioner to go out on my 05 road king. if caught in the early stages (when it is just a noise) it is not so big a deal, but if let go can really do some damage. i was surprised as i have been hearing of these newer motors going for many thausands of miles with out major problems. any of you guys had experience along these lines?

 

use the search option here and you will find an enormous amount of information. this is one of the most discussed items you will find along with engine oils. LOL.

 

Go to your dealer they should have a set of worn out shoe on there counter. Every dealer has a set for show a little miles and all worn out.

 

Mt 05 RKC is at the dealer now with a noise suspected to be cam chain.33000 mi.and I noticed the noise on the way back from Daytona.Fortunatly I do have extended warranty good untill December.I'll know more later today.

 

Common stuff.
Mine were toast at 21K. (done on warranty) I had 'em done again at 25K while the engine was apart getting a build done.

CN

 

I wouldn't call worn chain tensioners "major"; I call it wear.

 

Some last a long time. Some last a short time. There is no rhyme or reason for either. It's a crap shoot. Mine came out at 52k when I went to gears. They still looked great. However, I have personally wrenched on bikes that had them nearly worn out in half the miles.

 

o.k. now you have got me really nervous! i've got 15,000 on the rk now and am wondering what is just harley noises and what is something to worry about. what should i be listening for, i want to head this off before it becomes major. i have done all my own service and oil changes so far because the dealer is 35 miles away(land i enjoy doing it) but bought the extended warranty in case of serious problems. i've worked on bikes for a hobby for years,doing every thing but bottom end over hauls on my old shovelhead, but if this is covered i might as well use my policy when the time comes.

 

Whether it is covered by the warranty seems to be a gray area. IMO, the tensioners are a "wear item" like clutches, tires, and brake pads. However, some guys have been successful gettting them replaced under extended warranty.